Method and apparatus for storing, preserving and cleaning contact lenses

ABSTRACT

Apparatus and methods for storing, preserving and cleaning contact lenses includes a base housing; one or more lens bowls transparent to selected ranges of UV and IR light wavelengths; UV and IR light sources to direct UV and IR light into the lens bowls; a removable cover opaque to the UV light; one or more closure sensors to sense the status of the cover, a power supply; and, a controller in control communication with the UV and IR light sources, the power supply and the closure sensors, the controller causing the UV and IR light sources to cease emitting when the cover is not closed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. application Ser.No. 16/738,931, filed Jan. 9, 2020. U.S. application Ser. No. 16/738,931was a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/164,565, filed Oct.18, 2018 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,578,890 on Mar. 3, 2020) which wasa nonprovisional of, and claimed priority to, U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 62/574,072, filed Oct. 18, 2017. This applicationclaims priority to each of the above applications, and herebyincorporates by reference the entire disclosures of each of the aboveapplications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for storing,cleaning and preserving contact lenses and other apparatus which may beused on the ocular surface, without specialized chemicals.

BACKGROUND

The current conventional method for cleaning, sterilization and storageof contact lenses generally requires chemicals. Chemical cleaning andsterilization is both inconvenient and can cause adverse reactions inusers with sensitivities to the chemicals. The inconvenience ofselecting and purchasing chemical solutions which are compatible withthe particular lenses and do not cause adverse reactions in the users,over long timespans, leads to users sometimes running out of thesolutions and/or using incorrect solutions, which can lead to infectionsand/or adverse reactions in the users. Inadequate maintenance practicesalso shorten the useful life of lenses. Bacterial and viral populationsin and on the lenses can develop resistance to chemicals. In addition,the requirement to use specific chemicals in specific order can lead toerrors by users, which again lead to adverse results. For example,failure to properly clean lenses prior to chemical sterilization canlead to incomplete sterilization in areas where mucus and proteinbuildup can shield bacteria and viruses underneath those layers from thesterilizing chemicals, creating danger of infections and irritation ofthe eyes. Reliance on chemical methods is unreliable on a systemiclevel.

There is a need for compact, simple, reliable apparatus and methodswhich are essentially failsafe and easy for ordinary consumers to use,and which avoid growth of chemical-resistant bacteria and viruses.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

An apparatus for storing, preserving and cleaning contact lenses,includes a base housing; a first lens bowl configured to retain a firstcontact lens and volume of lens-compatible fluid, the first lens bowlcomposed of material transparent to a selected range of UV lightwavelengths, the first lens bowl coupled to the base housing; a first UVlight source proximate the first lens bowl and oriented to direct UVlight into the first lens bowl; a removable cover, the cover configuredto enclose and seal around at least the first lens bowl, the lens coversubstantially opaque to the UV light; a first closure sensor disposed tosense the removable cover in a closed or a not-closed status; a powersupply; and, a controller, the controller including softwareinstructions, the controller in control communication with at least theUV light source, the power supply and the first closure sensor, whereinthe controller causes the first UV light source to cease emitting whenthe first closure sensor indicates the removable cover is in thenot-closed status.

The apparatus may include a first IR light source proximate the firstlens bowl and oriented to direct IR light into the first lens bowl; thefirst lens bowl material additionally transparent to IR light; and, thecontroller additionally in control communication with the first IR lightsource.

The apparatus may include a first UV reflector disposed within theremovable cover above the first lens bowl, the first UV reflectordisposed to reflect the selected band of UV light toward the first lensbowl.

The apparatus may include a second lens bowl configured to retain asecond contact lens and volume of lens-compatible fluid, the second lensbowl composed of material transparent to the selected range of UV lightwavelengths, the second lens bowl coupled to the base housing; a secondUV light source proximate the second lens bowl and oriented to direct UVlight into the second lens bowl; the removable cover additionallyconfigured to enclose and seal around the second lens bowl; and, thecontroller additionally in control communication with at least thesecond UV light source.

The apparatus may include a second IR light source proximate the secondlens bowl and oriented to direct IR light into the second lens bowl;and, the controller additionally in control communication with thesecond IR light source.

The apparatus may include a plurality of closure sensors; and, thecontroller additionally in control communications with the plurality ofclosure sensors.

The apparatus provide for short term disinfection and/or long termstorage.

The invention provides many advantages over existing apparatus andmethods, including: (1) UV and JR cleaning is less likely to lead tochemically-resistant bacterial and viral strains; (2) the apparatus iscompact and safe for home use; (3) it reduces need for chemical agentswhich may be used ineffectively by consumers and/or which can adverselyaffect sensitive eye tissues; (4) alleviates concern for out-of-datecleaning solutions; (5) reduced danger that air pockets trapped insidecontact lenses will lead to incomplete cleaning due to lack of chemicalcleaner contact; (6) use of LEDs provides for precise control ofwavelength, intensity and heat addition; (7) design conserves energyusage allowing for compactness and portability; (8) automatic cycles,system monitoring and interlocks require less attention and interactionby the user, so enhance reliability of hygiene overall; and (9) it isnoncontact, so improves sterility.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Theadvantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of theinstrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims. Further benefits and advantages of the embodiments ofthe invention will become apparent from consideration of the followingdetailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings,which specify and show preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of thepresent invention and, together with the detailed description, serve toexplain the principles and implementations of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a First Embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of a First Embodiment, with coverclosed.

FIG. 3 shows a partial exploded view of a First Embodiment base housingand power supply.

FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of a base housing and power supplyof a First Embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a top perspective view of a PCB mounting board of a FirstEmbodiment.

FIG. 6 shows partial exploded view of a First Embodiment PCB mountingboard and electronic housing base.

FIG. 7 shows a partially disassembled view of a base housing of FirstEmbodiment with power supply and PCB mounting board installed.

FIG. 8 shows a partial exploded view of a First Embodiment opticalhousing portion.

FIG. 9 shows a top perspective view of a First Embodiment without thecover.

FIG. 10 shows a partial exploded view of a cover of a First Embodiment.

REFERENCE NUMBERS USED IN DRAWINGS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, thefigures illustrate the present invention. With regard to the referencenumerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the variousdrawing figures:

-   -   10 First Embodiment    -   12 Base Housing    -   14 Rechargeable Power Supply    -   16 Controller    -   18 a First UV Light Source    -   18 b Second UV Light Source    -   20 a First IR Light Source    -   20 b Second IR Light Source    -   22 a First Closure Sensor    -   22 b Second Closure Sensor    -   22 c Third Closure Sensor    -   22 d Fourth Closure Sensor    -   24 Optical Housing    -   26 Cover    -   28 Micro-USB Port    -   30 a First Cover Closure Magnet    -   30 b Second Cover Closure Magnet    -   30 c Third Cover Closure Magnet    -   30 d Fourth Cover Closure Magnet    -   32 a First Magnetically Permeable Fastener    -   32 b Second Magnetically Permeable Fastener    -   32 c Third Magnetically Permeable Fastener    -   32 d Fourth Magnetically Permeable Fastener    -   34 First Lens Bowl    -   36 Second Lens Bowl    -   38 a IR LED Element    -   38 b IR LED Element    -   38 c IR LED Element    -   38 d IR LED Element    -   38 e IR LED Element    -   38 f IR LED Element    -   38 g IR LED Element    -   38 h IR LED Element    -   40 a IR LED Element    -   40 b IR LED Element    -   40 c IR LED Element    -   40 d IR LED Element    -   40 e IR LED Element    -   40 f IR LED Element    -   40 g IR LED Element    -   40 h IR LED Element    -   42 a First Optical Housing Fastener Aperture    -   42 b Second Optical Housing Fastener Aperture    -   42 c Third Optical Housing Fastener Aperture    -   42 d Fourth Optical Housing Fastener Aperture    -   44 a First Lens Bowl Aperture    -   44 b Second Lens Bowl Aperture    -   46 a First Lens Bowl Aperture Perimeter Ledge    -   46 b Second Lens Bowl Aperture Perimeter Ledge    -   48 a First Lens Bowl Perimeter Horizontal Flange    -   48 b Second Lens Bowl Perimeter Horizontal Flange    -   50 a First Lens Bowl Perimeter Vertical Flange    -   50 b Second Lens Bowl Perimeter Vertical Flange    -   52 Cover Top/Outer Surface    -   54 Cover Bottom/Interior Surface    -   56 a Cover First Sealing Flange    -   56 b Cover Second Sealing Flange    -   58 a First Closure Magnet Recess    -   58 b Second Closure Magnet Recess    -   58 c Third Closure Magnet Recess    -   58 d Fourth Closure Magnet Recess    -   60 a Cover First Finger Tab    -   60 b Cover Second Finger Tab    -   62 PCB Mounting Board    -   64 Electronic Housing Base    -   66 PCB Mounting Board Alignment Aperture    -   68 PCB Mounting Board Alignment Pin    -   70 Power Supply Cavity    -   72 a First Loop Extension    -   72 b Second Loop Extension    -   72 c Third Loop Extension    -   72 d fourth Loop Extension    -   74 a First UV Light Source Sidewall    -   74 b Second UV Light Source Sidewall    -   76 a First UV Cover Reflector    -   76 b Second UV Cover Reflector

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed description of the subject invention,mention of the following is in order. When appropriate, like referencematerials and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding,or similar components in differing figure drawings. The figure drawingsassociated with this disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensionalaccuracy to scale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus onclarity of viewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of theimplementations described herein are shown and described. It will, ofcourse, be appreciated that in the development of any such actualimplementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madein order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliancewith application- and business-related constraints, and that thesespecific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from onedeveloper to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such adevelopment effort might be complex and time-consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those ofordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, a first embodiment of an apparatus for storing,preserving and cleaning contact lenses are shown. Referring to FIG. 1,an exploded view of a first embodiment 10 is shown. First embodiment 10includes a base housing 12, a power supply 14, an on-board controller16, first and second IN light sources 18 a & 18 b, first and second IRlight sources 20 a & 20 b, closure sensors 22 a, 22 b, 22 c & 22 d,optical housing 24, and cover 26.

In the First Embodiment, power supply 14 is a rechargeable lithium ionbattery, coupled to micro-USB charging port 28 which includes awaterproof enclosure. A rechargeable power supply permits portabilityand flexibility. In the Embodiment, the apparatus 10 is usable both withthe device unplugged and operating solely on battery power, or pluggedin to another continuous power source—for example a wall outlet or powersource in a vehicle. Rechargeable power supply 14 stores sufficientpower for at least one complete cleaning cycle. Base housing 12 includesa power supply cavity 70 defining a space to retain rechargeable powersupply 14.

Cover 26 includes a sealing engagement portion, and closure magnets 30a, 30 b, 30 c & 30 d mounted within cover 26. Closure magnets help aligncover 26 for proper closing and sealing, and magnetically couple toclosure sensors 22 a-d. Cover 26 may be made from a UV-absorbingmaterial to prevent transmission of harmful levels of UV light, or mayincorporate a UV-reflective surface. In the embodiment, cover 26 mayalso include first and second reflectors 76 a & b, within first andsecond sealing flanges 56 a & 56 b. In the embodiment, first and secondreflectors 76 a & b are reflectors fixed to interior surface 54 withinscaling flanges 56 a & b, respectively, and having polished aluminumsurfaces. First and second reflectors 76 a & b may be coated to preventcorrosion and/or leaching. Reflectors may also be provided as appliedreflective coatings on the interior surfaces.

Magnetically permeable fasteners 32 a, 32 b, 32 c & 32 d are provided,which perform two functions—engage with closure magnets, and providemagnetic coupling path for closure magnets to closure sensors 22 a-d. Inthe embodiment, sensors 22 a-d are Hall effect sensors, which requirelow power and produce low heat, are solid state, and noncontact, soeasily sealed within the plastic casing, and will not interfere with theUV and IR LEDs. Fewer or more closure sensors could be used depending onthe particular shape and configuration of the housing and cover, andclosure sensors could be configured to sense the status of the cover aseither the presence (i.e. closed and sealed status) or the absence (i.e.not completely closed or sealed status) of the cover. If at least one ofclosure sensors 22 a-d senses the status of cover 26 as not-closedstatus, then the controller 16 will cause the UV light sources 18 a & band the IR light sources 20 a & b to cease emitting. The apparatus couldbe programmed to permit operation with fewer than all closure sensorssensing a closed status where sufficient redundancy exists that fewersensors would indicate complete closure.

In the Embodiment, first and second UV light sources 18 a & b arehermetically sealed LEDs producing light in a narrow portion of the UV-Cband, within a range of approximately 255 nm to 280 nm wavelength (whichmaximizes lethality to bacteria). The dosage absorbed by microorganismswithin the storage compartment is a function of UV light intensity (orfluence rate) and exposure time, shown by the equation: Dose(μw-s/cm²)=Intensity (μw/cm²)×time (s). The required dosage to achieve99% kill rate varies with the type of bacterial or virus, but typicallya dose of approximately 8,000 μw-s/cm² would be required, with a minimumof 2,500 μw-s/cm². Use of sterile storage solution will reduce thedosage required to achieve and maintain satisfactory disinfection (i.e.the minimum microbial load). UV light sources 18 a & b may includemultiple UV LED elements. In the Embodiment, UV light sources 18 a & binclude first and second enclosing internally UV reflective sidewalls 74a & b, respectively, which contain and direct UV light into therespective first and second lens bowls 34, 36 but retain hightransmittance for the selected IR wavelength band (in the describedEmbodiment, concentrated around the 650 nm wavelength).

In the embodiment, IR disinfection is combined with the UV disinfectionto achieve optimum results. Each of first and second lens bowls 34 and36 is centered within first and second IR light sources 20 a & b,respectively, each of which includes eight IR LED elements, 38 a-h and40 a-h, respectively, distributed evenly along a circular circumference.IR LED elements 38 a-h and 40 a-h produce light concentrated around the650 nm wavelength to heat the water volume and any microbes and virusestherein. In the embodiment, the eight low power LED elements 38 a-h and40 a-h distributed around each lens bowl 34 and 36 provide even heatingof the compartment, while reducing the danger of structuraldamage/plastic melting from a lower number of higher power LED elements.IR LED elements 38 a-h and 40 a-h are selected to achieve a steady stateoperating temperature of at least 45 C-50 C (113 F-122 F) during thecleaning cycle. The IR LED elements 38 a-h and 40 a-h are deenergizedprior to the end of the cleaning cycle, in order to allow the storagesolution (and hence, the lenses) to cool to a comfortable temperatureprior to removal. In the embodiment, IR LED elements 38 a-h and 40 a-hare relatively low power, each IR light source 20 a & b sufficient towarm lens bowls 34 and 36 at steady state but not sufficient to damagethe apparatus or lenses even if energized continuously, so as to obviatethe need for complicated temperature feedback control. The total IR LEDelement power will be determined by the wall thickness of the specificmaterials selected and shape of the device to account for balancing heatlosses.

In the Embodiment, controller 16 is an integrated circuit module mountedto PCB mounting board 62, which includes the L.E.D. drivers whichcontrol power to UV light sources 18 a & b and IR light sources 20 a &b, and monitor their operation, as well as the battery charging andmanagement subsystem. Controller 16 also includes software instructionsin the programmable memory which, among other functions, control theprocess cycle, including the power level of the LED elements, timing,sequence and ramp up, system power management, safety interlock inputs,alarms and warnings, and system operation logs.

In the Embodiment, optical housing 24 is a planar element havingfastener apertures 42 a, 42 b, 42 e & 42 d to receive magneticallypermeable ferrous fasteners 32 a-d, and first and second lens bowlapertures 44 a & b, to receive first and second lens bowls 34 & 36. Lensbowl apertures 44 a & b, are aligned to center lens bowls 34 & 36 overfirst and second JV light sources 18 a & b, respectively. Lens bowlapertures 44 a & b include perimeter ledges 46 a & b, respectively.First and second lens bowls 34 & 36 are curved hemispherical orhyperbolically shaped bowls, each including a perimeter horizontalflange 48 a & 48 b, respectively, which couples with first and secondlens bowl aperture perimeter ledges 46 a & b, respectively. They may besealed in place by, for example, gluing, or thermal or sonic welding.Lens bowls 34, 36 are made from optically clear, IN-C-transparentmaterial, for example quartz-glass or UV-C-transparent acrylics, whichhave at least 80% transmittance at the selected wavelength or at leastat the most desired wavelength within the selected range. In theembodiment, lens bowls 34, 36 themselves act as refractive lenses, inorder to focus the UV light through a contact lens held within it andprovide uniform UV transmittance and heat distribution. First and secondlens bowl perimeter vertical flanges 50 a & b extend upward from firstand second lens bowls 34, 36, respectively, to engage cover 26. Theshape and dimensions of lens bowls 34 and 36 are configured to receive aselected type and size of contact lens. In the Embodiment, lens bowls 34and 36 are configured to receive the standard range of contact lensesused by people. Contact lenses used for animals may be larger or smallerthan those used by people, and potentially shaped differently, so thedimensions of the bowls would be configured for the anticipated range ofsizes and shapes for the type of use.

Cover 26 goes over the top of the apparatus to both seal lens bowls 34 &36, and to shield a user from UV light sources 18 a & b. In theEmbodiment, cover 26 is substantially planar, having a top/outer surface52 and a bottom/interior surface 54, and includes first and secondsealing flanges 56 a & 56 b projecting from bottom/interior surface 54to sealingly engage first and second lens bowl perimeter verticalflanges 50 a & b and perimeter horizontal flanges 48 a & b,respectively. Cover 26 also includes first, second, third and fourthclosure magnet recesses 56 a, 56 b, 56 e and 56 d to retain closuremagnets 30 a-d, respectively. Closure magnet recesses 56 a-d are locatedin a pattern matching magnetically permeable fasteners 32 a-d tomagnetically couple to them. Cover 26 includes first and second fingertabs 60 a & 60 b extending outward from its perimeter to provide easiergrip for removal/installation.

In the Embodiment, UV light sources 18 a & b, IR light sources 20 a & b,micro-USB port 28, and associated controllers, drivers and circuitry,are mounted to a single planar PCB mounting board 62, which is sealed toprevent moisture damage. Closure sensors 22 a-d are disposed proximatethe four corners of PCB mounting board 62, aligned to be proximate tofastener apertures 42 a-d. Micro-USB port 28 provides connection toexternal power, programming and monitoring/diagnostic devices.

PCB mounting board 62 is mounted onto electronic housing base 64, andincludes an alignment aperture 66 to receive a corresponding alignmentpin 68 therethrough to ensure proper positioning of closure sensors 22a-d and the UV & IR light sources 18 a & b and 20 a & b.

The apparatus could be configured as a single lens device as well, forexample by omitting the second lens bowl and associated elements, andcould be configured with more than two lens bowls for higher volumeapplications; however, typical applications would likely be a dual-lensconfiguration.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications andchanges may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing fromthe scope of the claimed invention. It will, of course, be understoodthat modifications of the invention, in its various aspects, will beapparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only afterstudy, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical andelectronic design. No single feature, function or property of thepreferred embodiment is essential. Other embodiments are possible, theirspecific designs depending upon the particular application. As such, thescope of the invention should not be limited by the particularembodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appendedclaims and equivalents thereof.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus for storing, preserving and cleaning contactlenses, comprising: a base housing; a first lens bowl configured toretain a first contact lens and volume of lens-compatible fluid, thefirst lens bowl composed of material transparent to a selected range ofUV light wavelengths, the first lens bowl coupled to the base housing; afirst UV light source proximate the first lens bowl and oriented todirect IV light into the first lens bowl; a removable cover, the coverconfigured to enclose and seal around at least the first lens bowl, thelens cover substantially opaque to the UV light; a first closure sensordisposed to sense the removable cover in a closed or a not-closedstatus; a power supply; and, a controller, the controller includingsoftware instructions, the controller in control communication with atleast the UV light source, the power supply and the first closuresensor, wherein the controller causes the first UV light source to ceaseemitting when the first closure sensor indicates the removable cover isin the not-closed status.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a first IR light source proximate the first lens bowl andoriented to direct IR light into the first lens bowl; the first lensbowl material additionally transparent to IR light; and, the controlleradditionally in control communication with the first IR light source. 3.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first UV reflectordisposed within the removable cover above the first lens bowl, the firstUV reflector disposed to reflect the selected band of UV light towardthe first lens bowl.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: asecond lens bowl configured to retain a second contact lens and volumeof lens-compatible fluid, the second lens bowl composed of materialtransparent to the selected range of UV light wavelengths, the secondlens bowl coupled to the base housing; a second UV light sourceproximate the second lens bowl and oriented to direct UV light into thesecond lens bowl; the removable cover additionally configured to encloseand seal around the second lens bowl; and, the controller additionallyin control communication with at least the second UV light source. 5.The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a second IR light sourceproximate the second lens bowl and oriented to direct IR light into thesecond lens bowl; and, the controller additionally in controlcommunication with the second IR light source.
 6. The apparatus of claim5, further comprising: a plurality of closure sensors; and, thecontroller additionally in control communications with the plurality ofclosure sensors.
 7. A method for cleaning and storing contact lenses,comprising: providing the apparatus of claim 1, the controller softwareinstructions including a series of programmed instructions to cause theapparatus to initiate and complete a sterilization cycle to sterilize acontact lens inserted into the lens bowl; inserting a contact lens intothe first lens bowl; filling the lens bowl to a predetermined minimumlevel with contact lens solution; closing the first cover on the firstlens bowl such that the first closure sensor detects the closedcondition; activating the controller to initiate sterilization cycle;after the sterilization cycle is complete, removing the contact lensfrom the lens bowl for use.